Allegiance Pledged

Saturday

Jul 5, 2014 at 12:01 AMJul 5, 2014 at 4:42 PM

By Jeff MalachowskiDaily News Staff

STURBRIDGE – While Marlborough’s Ilson Machado has celebrated Independence Day in the United States the past 23 years, he experienced America’s birthday in a whole new way Friday.A native of Brazil, Machado was one of 75 Massachusetts residents hailing from 33 different countries to take the Oath of Allegiance and become U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at Old Sturbridge Village Friday morning."It feels great," said Machado, 39, a Marlborough resident for seven years. "I’m proud to be part of something."Machado’s family moved from Brazil to the U.S. when he was a teenager to seek better employment. After recently realizing he spent more time living in America than Brazil, he opted to seek citizenship in the U.S."I lived here longer than in Brazil," a smiling Machado said shortly after receiving his citizenship certificate from Judge Henry Boroff to cheers from his wife Nalva and daughter Victoria. "We’re established here. It’s a base for us. It’s a wonderful country."Nalva Machado expressed pride at her husband’s accomplishment and said she was nervous for him as he recited the Oath of Allegiance."It’s a blessing," she said. "It’s amazing."Friday’s ceremony at Old Sturbridge Village was one of several hundred that occurred across the country to welcome over 9,000 new U.S. citizens. Residents of Marlborough, Framingham, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Westborough, Bellingham and Franklin were sworn in as U.S. citizens during ceremonies in Sturbridge and Boston."We are united as one people today," Boroff said prior to presenting certificates to the new citizens in Sturbridge.Residents seeking citizenship must be at least 18 years old, be a lawful permanent resident, lived here for at least five years, be able to speak, read and write English and know about the nation's government and history.After embracing American culture since arriving from Brazil 11 years ago, Sudbury’s Nivea Colwell felt extensive pride when listening to the Pledge of Allegiance, national anthem and Oath of Allegiance during Friday’s ceremony."I’m very emotional," said Colwell, 34.Colwell met her husband while he visited Brazil several years ago and moved to America shortly thereafter to be with him. Donning a red, white and blue scarf, Colwell said she always felt part American, but her new citizenship showcases her pride."I love it here," she said. "I think it’s time to have the same citizenship as my husband and my kids."While Northborough’s Peng Zhang described his new citizenship as "more or less a formality," he is proud to officially become a U.S. citizen.Seeking a career as an engineer, Zhang, 39, moved to the U.S. from China 17 years ago and said he enjoys living in America and the American culture."It is better here," said Zhang.State Rep. Todd Smola, R-Warren, described becoming a citizen as a "momentous step" in the candidates’ lives and wished them luck and success."We embrace your tradition and culture," said Smola. "This is one of the most important days in this country. The greatness of this country is in you the people. We are proud of every single one of you this day."Jeff Malachowski can be reached at 508-490-7466 or jmalachowski@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @JmalachowskiMW.